Daughter of Arden Series by Loren G. Warnemuende

This YA fiction title is a retelling of the Grimm’s tale “Maid Maleen.” With impending war on the horizon, King Darrick gives his daughter a choice: marry Prince Jared from Dranneth or spend the length of the war locked up in a hidden tower with no escape. Princess Maleen has her heart set on marrying Prince Melanor from Pandor and thus chooses the tower. Melanor promises to rescue her but trapped inside the tower she comes to understand deep truths about herself, her country, and the Mighty One.

When the war ends, Maleen’s world is not what it was. She has a hard reality ahead of her, how could this possibly be the Mighty One’s plan? Will Maleen lead her beloved kingdom of Arden?

Reading Level: 13+
Read Aloud Age: Possibly 10+ with a few edits

Kingdoms, war, a hiding princess-I have to admit, I was COMPLETLEY sucked into this series. It’s captivatingly written, and while it’s plot driven, the characters are full of developments and depth. It’s also not insulting to the intelligence of the youth who read it. Technically this title is YA, but adults will absolutely enjoy it too. (It will definitely appeal to girls/women more than boys/men.) Although this series is not overtly Christian, it’s clear (likely even to a non-believer) that it’s written by a Christian. The “Mighty One” and The Writings are obviously representative of God and Scripture. There are several times that The Writings are quoted and it’s a paraphrase of God’s Word.

There are many Biblical themes like dying to self and God’s sovereignty, but I was also pleasantly surprised at some other elements. There is a storyline about a “Verit Sage” who is clearly representative of false teachers. He looks like a spiritual leader, sounds like one, and even has some incredible powers, but he is not drawing his knowledge from The Writings but rather experiences. There is also a beautiful illustration of the covenant of marriage and how this relationship is complementary- the wife submitting to the husband and the husband loving his wife and willing to die for her.

There are very few things to note in the sections below and all of it was more than appropriate for the age range. This might be my favorite YA Christian fiction title. It’s truly THAT good. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Language:
stupid, idiots, ugly (person), wench

Questionable Behaviors:
In a book about war and kingdoms, there is much that could fill this category, but none of it is painted in a positive light. There are some battles depicted but few and nothing is gruesome except when Maleen realizes that underneath the helmets on swords are heads.
The behavior that is a little gray is lying about the princess’s identity.
Drunkenness is portrayed. (Again, not glorified.)

Sexual Content:
There is an embrace or two and a kiss, but nothing scandalous. There is a joke about a newlywed couple needing “time to get to know each other” as well as the husband mentioning the wedding night, but it’s very mild.

There are a few instances of Maleen being on the receiving end of unwanted sexual advances: there is a depiction of attempted sexual assault, but the author does a fantastic job of wording things so you know what is going on but without being overly descriptive. There is also a man that let’s Maleen know what he “wants” while looking her up and down.

A brothel is briefly depicted with the women wearing low-cut dresses. (This is brief and meant to show how the kingdom has fallen into terrible practices.)

Other Things to Note:
There is a bit of a magical element. It’s small, but some people who survive a sickness come to have special abilities including controlling others.
One time Maleen is in despair hears a voice (but not an audible one) which I believe is the author’s attempt at the Spirit’s leading.

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